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Blackbird Theatre presents Don Juan

Blackbird Theatre brings a new adaptation of Don Juan, Molière's most scandalous comedy to the stage - Dec. 26, 2012 - Jan. 26, 2013 at The Cultch. Directed and adapted by John Wright, the satiric masterpiece tells the story of an irresistible rogue and defiant hedonist whose unrepentant actions lead to a hellfire and brimstone reckoning.

Don Juan is a legendary anti-hero who first appeared in a 17th century Spanish play, and whose blasphemous and romantic exploits have been chronicled by creators as diverse as Byron, Mozart, and Bernard Shaw. Molière’s work, penned in 1665, is among the character’s most controversial incarnations.

At the onset of Molière’s telling, Don Juan is freshly married to Elvira, a beautiful nun he hasenticed away from her convent. Quickly growing restless, the incorrigible Don begins plotting to abandon Elvira so he may woo his friend's fiancée - much to the horror of his highly moral servant, Sganarelle. The ensuing tale follows Don Juan through seductions, duels, narrow escapes, and a supernatural reckoning, accompanied as ever by his exasperated servant.

Like most of his canon, Molière’s Don Juan borrows heavily from Italy’s Commedia Dell’Arte traditions; the theatrical style is instantly recognizable for its range of familiar masked characters, wordplay and physical antics. Blackbird Theatre’s production will honour these commedia roots, while bringing fresh innovation to the age-old tale.

The upcoming adaptation will star two of Vancouver’s finest comedic actors in its leading roles: Peter Jorgensen (Artistic Director, Patrick Street Productions), as the titular Don alongside Blackbird veteran Simon Webb as the long-suffering Sganarelle (a role originally performed by Molière himself). The seventeen other roles will be performed by Ted Cole, Sebastien Archibald, Pippa Mackie and Barbara Kozicki.

Set and lighting design is by John Webber, and costume and prop design by Marti Wright, with projections by Tim Matheson, and sound design by Ryan McCallion. The play features an original rock mass for choir and electric guitar composed by Peter Berring and recorded by the Vancouver Cantata Singers.